First A Vote For Esther; Now Joda

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

I can't tell you how glad I am that the Republican primary is over. Watching those two fight over "who is more conservative" took me back to the family road trips where my siblings fought over trivial matters. Did anyone catch a platform from either of them? Or was it more about who was "next" in line?

I must confess: I pulled a Republican ballot last Thursday. I chose the Republican ballot because I felt that it allowed me more voice in selecting who would eventually be our leaders. In this case, I voted against Mason due to the attacks on his opponent. I voted for Ester because of the small glimmer of hope that she actually did reach across party lines and represent the vast majority of us (somewhere in between far right and far left). She denies voting for Obama because she is a "true conservative." The one thing I missed out on was getting to vote for Joda.

I've seen Joda around town for a few years now. He has been on various boards, and advisory panels. He leads a the Metro Ideas Project, which helps mid-sized cities design policies that are effective. If you've ever followed him, you'll know that he speaks out against predatory lending, such as the pay-day lenders that plague East Ridge and are creeping into East Brainerd (that's District 30, by the way). That's something I can support.

Esther Helton has all of the connections to waltz into this office. She has raised more than $80,000 to campaign for a Job that only pays $19,009 (plus per diem, while in session). Her website boast that she rubs elbows with everyone that matters (except you). She is a foot soldier in the Republican Party and is up for advancement. She has not vocalized any needs or concerns for the community and, thus, has offered no solutions. I will not be voting for her, twice.

Jonathon Mason is going to hate me, not just for voting against him, but because I will split the party line this November. I will vote for a Democrat (probably two of them, right Phil?). I'm sick of seeing Republicans being promoted through the Peter Principle simply based on our State's color. Let's change that this go around.

Folks, I'm not simply asking you to join me in voting for Joda, but please listen to what he has to say.

Mayor Berke’s Administration recently asked the Chattanooga City Council to declare “surplus” three city owned buildings near City Hall so they could be sold to private developers. Property is typically considered "surplus" when it no longer serves the needs of the city and, therefore, the public. Two of the buildings are currently being used. Where are these employees ... (click for more)

In July 2016, Mayor Berke’s staff asked City Council to declare "surplus" a heavily used city employee parking lot on King Street. Council then was asked to transfer title to the Chattanooga Downtown Redevelopment Corporation (CDRC), a city entity. In their presentation to Council, City staff said that they had been talking for a several years to the developer of the adjacent ... (click for more)

City officials said Tuesday they will delay action on the proposal to surplus three buildings near City Hall. Stacy Richardson, chief of staff to Mayor Andy Berke, said the staff still does not have all the answers to questions raised about the plan. She said the staff is still convinced that moving the buildings to the private market as part of the Innovation District would ... (click for more)

A hearing has been delayed on a lawsuit brought by the Tennessee Democratic Party seeking to keep Republican Robin Smith off the ballot in House District 26. Ms. Smith was the only candidate after longtime Rep. Gerald McCormick abruptly announced he was leaving his post to move to Nashville. Chancellor Jeff Atherton on Monday afternoon said he could not take the case until ... (click for more)

Robert Catlett may have been a little bit nervous before Hixson’s first volleyball match of the season Monday evening, but the guy who is now the head coach for the Lady Wildcats after many years as their assistant didn’t seem to show it. Hixson hosted the Boyd-Buchanan Lady Buccaneers in both team’s season opener and it was also the first match for first year Lady Buc coach ... (click for more)